Dave Coulier Announces Remission Following Dual Cancer Diagnosis
Dave Coulier, the beloved actor best known for playing Uncle Joey on the classic sitcom Full House, has shared a significant health update, confirming he is now in remission after battling two distinct forms of cancer in quick succession. The 66-year-old star described the experience as a "roller coaster ride" during an emotional appearance on Good Morning America.
A Tumultuous Health Journey
The actor's ordeal began in November 2024 when he was diagnosed with a "very aggressive" stage three non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Coulier underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and, by March 2025, was declared cancer-free. However, in a shocking turn of events, a routine PET scan in October 2025 revealed an entirely separate issue: early stage P16 carcinoma, also known as oropharyngeal tongue cancer.
"It's been a roller coaster ride for sure, Robin. I'm in remission with both cancers and what a journey this has been," Coulier told host Robin Roberts. He emphasised that doctors confirmed the two cancers were "totally unrelated," making his back-to-back diagnoses particularly rare and challenging.
The Critical Role of Early Detection
Coulier has become a vocal advocate for regular health screenings, crediting early detection with saving his life twice. "The thing that has really saved my life, Craig, is that early detection saved my life, not just the first time but the second time as well," he explained during an earlier appearance on the Today show. He highlighted the 90+ percent curability rate for his type of tongue cancer when caught early.
The actor is currently undergoing 35 radiation treatments for the carcinoma, which are scheduled to conclude on December 31st. "I get to start the new year saying, I finished radiation yesterday! It's kind of serendipitous," he reflected. Despite the positive prognosis, he acknowledged the psychological toll, admitting it feels "like cancer is always in the rearview mirror behind" him.
Personal Toll and Family Support
Coulier opened up about the emotional and physical strain of his dual battles, noting the significant impact on his wife, Melissa Bing. "It's also a big drain to my wife, Melissa, which is the biggest drain on me, seeing how this affects her," he shared. The couple, who married in 2014, have navigated this difficult period together, with Melissa revealing that Dave had been "prepared" to die following his sixth round of chemotherapy for lymphoma.
His Full House co-star, Candace Cameron Bure, publicly celebrated his initial cancer-free announcement in March, posting on Instagram: "DAVE IS CANCER FREE!!!! Join me in celebrating this AMAZING news."
A Family History and a Message of Hope
The actor's personal connection to cancer runs deep. He has lost his mother, sister, and niece to breast cancer, and another sister was battling cancer during his own treatment. "I saw what those women in my family went through, and I thought to myself, 'If I can be just 1/10th of a percent as strong as they were, then I'm going to be just fine,'" he told People magazine.
Despite the challenges, Coulier finds a "silver lining," noting that his first cancer diagnosis led to the scan that detected the second. "Had I not gone in and listened to my doctors... we would have never found this carcinoma," he stated. He now passionately urges the public to prioritise regular check-ups, including colonoscopies, breast exams, and prostate exams. "They will save your life," he insists, turning his harrowing experience into a powerful public health message.
